Handgun Shot Shell

ABSTRACT

A handgun shot shell includes a bullet case configured to include a body portion and a neck portion extending upwardly from the body portion, the bullet case including a closed bottom end and a mouth opposite the bottom end that is open. A primer is situated in the bottom end and a propellant is situated in the interior area of the bullet case upwardly adjacent the primer. A shot cup is in the bullet case and the shot cup defines an interior space. A projectile load is positioned in the shot cup, the shot cup having an upper end sealed by a gas check member situated over the projectile load. A cap member of epoxy is positioned atop the mouth of the bullet case that includes one of a first indicia indicative that the projectile material is bird shot or a second indicia indicative that the projectile material is buckshot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to shot shells for handguns and, more particularly, to a handgun shot shell that utilizes a shot cup (i.e. a wad) for holding shot within a bullet case capable of being chambered in a .45 caliber handgun and which includes color indicia that indicates the type of shot included in the shot shell.

A bullet casing or cartridge refers to ammunition typically fired by a rifle or handgun, the rifle cartridge typically including a single bullet as the projectile with which to strike an animal, person, or other target. By contrast, a shotgun shell refers to the ammunition typically fired by a shotgun and which includes a plurality of smaller projectiles with which to strike a flying bird or target in flight. It is known in the art as well to fire a “shot shell” from a rifle that includes a quantity of shot that spreads out the projectile stream from a rifle over that of the typical single bullet fired by the rifle.

Although assumedly effective for their intended purposes, the prior products and patent proposals do not include specific components that are optimal and desirable to a shooter, namely, allowing a shot shell to be chambered in a .45 caliber handgun, providing for accurate targeting of the shot particles, and indicating the type of shot stored in the bullet case.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a handgun shot shell that utilizes a modified rifle case, includes a shotgun wad for receiving a plurality of projectiles (i.e. the “shot”) for accurate firing, and includes color indicia indicative of the size or type of shot included in the cartridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A handgun shot shell for use in a .45 caliber automatic colt pistol (“ACP”) according to the present invention includes a bullet case modified to include a body portion and a neck portion extending upwardly from the body portion, the bullet case including a bottom end that is closed and a mouth opposite the bottom end that is open. A primer is situated in the bottom end of the bullet case and a propellant is situated in the interior area of the bullet case upwardly adjacent the primer. A shot cup is positioned in the bullet case and the shot cup defines an interior space. A projectile load is positioned in the interior space of the projectile load, the projectile load having an upper end that is sealed by a gas check member situated over the projectile load. A cap member of epoxy material is positioned atop the mouth of the bullet case has one of a first indicia indicative that the projectile material is bird shot or a second indicia indicative that the projectile material is buckshot.

Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a handgun shot shell using a rifle bullet case modified to be chambered in a .45 caliber handgun and that includes shot positioned in a .410 shotgun wad.

Another object of this invention is to provide the handgun shot shell, as aforesaid, that includes color indicia indicative of whether birdshot or buckshot is packed inside the case, respectively.

Still another object of this invention is to provide the handgun shot shell, as aforesaid, in which the bullet case is necked so as to be chambered in a suitable handgun and is crimped to allow full combustion of a propellant upon firing.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a handgun shot shell.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a bullet case of a handgun shot shell according to the present invention, illustrated prior to being “necked” and crimped;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the bullet case as in FIG. 1a after being necked;

FIG. 1c is a perspective view of the bullet case as in FIG. 1b , illustrated after being necked and crimped;

FIG. 1d is an isolated view on an enlarged scale taken from FIG. 1 c;

FIG. 2a is a side view of a handgun shot shell according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2b is a sectional view taken along line 2 b-2 b of FIG. 2a , illustrating the projectile load as being buckshot;

FIG. 2c is an isolated view on an enlarged scale taken from FIG. 2 b;

FIG. 3a is a side view of a handgun shot shell according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3b is a sectional view taken along line 3 b-3 b of FIG. 3a , illustrating the projectile load as being bird shot; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the handgun shot shell of FIG. 2 a.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A shot shell for a handgun according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1a to 4 of the accompanying drawings. The handgun shot shell 10 includes a bullet case 20, a shot cup 30 positioned in an interior area of the bullet case 20, a projectile load 32 in the shot cup 30, and indicia indicative of the type of projectile load 32 in the shot cup 30.

Preferably, the bullet case 20 utilized in the present invention is that of a .45 Winchester magnum case that is modified in manufacturing to have a configuration suitable to be chambered in a .45 caliber automatic colt pistol (referred to herein as a “.45 colt ACP” or just a “.45 ACP” or other similar variation). Specifically, the magnum case (also referred to merely as a “bullet case”) may be “necked,” which is a term that means its shape configuration is modified, such as by light or even hand tool machining to include a body portion 22 (i.e. the main casing) and a neck portion 24 extending upwardly from the body portion 22. The neck portion 24 has a diameter small than a diameter of the body portion 22. Both the body portion 22 and neck portion 24 have a cylindrical configuration, i.e. have a continuous side wall in the manner of a traditional bullet case shot by a rifle or handgun. The body portion 22 includes a bottom wall 26 so that the lower end of the body portion 22 is closed. By contrast, the top of the neck portion 24 is referred to as a “mouth” and is open so as to provide access into an interior area defined by the body portion 22 and neck portion 24 and inside the bullet case 20 itself. The necking down process is also important in that it has a usual benefit that, once fired, the case normally splits, rendering the case useless for reloading purposes and the product must be re-purchased each time. In addition, the mouth may be crimped (FIG. 2c ), the cap member 36 and crimped edge 25 of the neck end causing a back pressure that must be overcome during discharge and causes the propellant to be combusted fully.

In order that the bullet case 20 may be “fired” by a gun, a primer 28 is situated or embedded in the bottom wall 26 and a propellant 29, such as gun powder, is positioned in the interior area of the bullet case 20 immediately adjacent the primer 28. In use, operation of the trigger of the gun strikes the primer 28 which ignites the propellant 29 to propel a projectile from the bullet case 20 via the barrel of the gun.

In another aspect, the shot cup 30 is positioned within the interior area of the bullet case 20, the shot cup 30 being slightly displaced from the primer and in operative contact with the propellant. The inclusion of the shot cup 30 (i.e. preferably a .410 wad) is critical as it keeps the shot from scattering when ignited and propelled outwardly from the gun. A projectile load 32 is loaded into the shot cup 30 at the time of manufacturing. It is understood that different types, sizes, or weights of projectile loads may be utilized or even more than one type. For instance, the projectile load may be bird shot 32 a or bird seed, each particle of the projectile load 32 having a relatively small diameter so that, for instance, 109 grains of small shot may be packed into the shot cup 30. Alternatively, the projectile load may be buckshot 32 b, in which case a preferred embodiment includes 2 pellets weighing in together at approximately 109 grains, with each pellet having a diameter of about 0.330 inch in diameter (FIG. 2b ).

In the manner of operation of a shotgun, an explosion resulting from ignition of the propellant cause the projectile load 32 to be rapidly and forcefully ejected from an end of the shot cup 30 for rapid travel through and out of an open end of a gun barrel. It is understood that the wad (shot cup) is also expelled from the barrel by ignition of the propellant and keeps the shot focused until the shot separates therefrom.

In another aspect, a gas check member 34 is included atop the projectile load (FIGS. 2b and 3b ). A gas check functions in the manner of a gasket and typically used with bullets in high pressure cartridges. Gas checks may be a thin cup or disc and constructed of a ductile metal such as copper, zinc, aluminum and alloys such as brass. A gas check provides a thin layer of harder but still malleable metal on the base of the bullet that obturates to provide a seal and prevents the propellant gas leakage that causes gas cutting, and helps the bullet grip the rifling. A similar advantage is experienced in the present invention albeit the gas check member is in use with the projectile load described above.

Further, a cap member 36 is positioned so as to close the mouth of the bullet case 20. The existence and positioning of the cap member 36 is critical to correct operation of the invention. The purpose of the epoxy cap is four fold; 1) to provide easy identification of load type (buckshot versus shot), 2) eases loading of round into chamber, 3) provide weather proofing, i.e. keeps moisture out of the interior area, which increases load viability for long-term storage; and 4) ensures complete combustion of powder so that adequate back pressure is asserted on the slide to ensure proper functioning of gun. This last attribute is essential so that a mixed load of shot, buckshot and ball ammunition can be loaded and fired without manual manipulation of the slide.

The cap member 36 may be constructed using an epoxy material having a generally clear appearance and color indicia may be embedded therein which is indicative of the type or size of the projectile load (i.e. shot) included in the shot cup 30. Alternatively, the epoxy itself may be impregnated with or naturally colored to indicate the projectile load type. More particularly, a red cap member may be understood to indicate that buckshot is the projectile load whereas a blue cap member may be indicative that birdshot is onboard. Regardless of which colors are used, it is understood that the second color is different than the first color, the colors being associated with different sizes or types of shot.

Preferably, the components described above include sizes and dimensions as described below although components with slightly larger or smaller dimensions may also be suitable in accordance with the principles and methods described herein. The shot cup 30 or wad may have a height of about 1 inch (1″). The bullet case 20 may have a height between about 1.85 inches and 2.10 inches and, preferably, between 1.90 inches and 2.0 inches. The gas check member 34 may have a diameter of about 0.355 inches or as is sufficient to cover the projectile load 32 as shown in the drawings.

The present invention contemplates a method for manufacturing the handgun shot shell 10 described above. Specifically, a bullet case 20, such as a .45 Winchester magnum case, is “necked” so as to be given a shape configuration capable of being chambered in a .45 ACP. It is understood that other bullet cases may be similarly modified for use with other handguns. Then, a shot cup 30, such as a .410 wad, is inserted into and suitably positioned inside an interior area defined by the bullet case. A projectile load 32, such as birdshot or buck shot may be inserted into the shot cup 30 and sealed beneath a check member 34 as described above. The bullet case 20 includes a primer 28 and propellant 29 in as with a traditional bullet configuration. Finally, a cap member 36 constructed of an epoxy material and having colored indicia associated with respective projectile loads is positioned so as to close or seal the mouth of the neck portion 24 of the bullet case 20.

It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof. 

1. A handgun shot shell, comprising: a bullet case modified to include a body portion and a neck portion extending upwardly from said body portion, said bullet case including a bottom end that is closed and a mouth opposite said bottom end and that is open, said wherein said bullet case defines an interior area; wherein said neck portion includes a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of said body portion; a primer situated in said bottom end of said bullet case; a propellant situated in said interior area of said bullet case adjacent said primer; a shot cup positioned in said interior area of said bullet case, said shot cup being operably adjacent the propellant and defining an interior space; a projectile load positioned in said interior space of said shot cup, said shot cup having an upper end that is sealed by a gas check member situated over said projectile load; a cap member positioned atop said mouth of said bullet case that prevents moisture from entering into said interior area of said bullet case.
 2. The handgun shot shell as in claim 1, wherein said bullet case is a .45 magnum case that is necked so as to be chambered in a .45 automatic colt pistol (“ACP).
 3. The handgun shot shell as in claim 1, wherein said shot cup is a .410 wad.
 4. The handgun shot shell as in claim 3, wherein: said shot cup has a height of about 1 inch; said bullet case has a height that is between 1.190 inches and 2.000 inches; said mouth of said bullet case is crimped to have a diameter about 0.0308 inches.
 5. The handgun shot shell as in claim 1, wherein said projectile load is bird shot.
 6. The handgun shot shell as in claim 1, wherein said projectile is buckshot.
 7. The handgun shot shell as in claim 1, wherein said gas check member has a diameter of about 0.355 inches.
 8. The handgun shot shell as in claim 1, wherein said cap member is constructed of epoxy material and has one of a first indicia indicative that the said projectile material is bird shot or a second indicia indicative that the said projectile material is buckshot.
 9. The handgun shot shell as in claim 8, wherein said first indicia is a color and said second indicia is a color different than the color of said first indicia.
 10. The handgun shot shell as in claim 8, wherein said mouth is crimped so as to form a crimped end, wherein said cap seal and said crimped end generate a back pressure that causes said propellant to combust fully.
 11. A handgun shot shell for use in a .45 caliber automatic colt pistol (“ACP), comprising: a bullet case modified to include a body portion and a neck portion extending upwardly from said body portion, said bullet case including a bottom end that is closed and a mouth opposite said bottom end and that is open, said wherein said bullet case defines an interior area; wherein said neck portion includes a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of said body portion; a primer situated in said bottom end of said bullet case; a propellant situated in said interior area of said bullet case upwardly adjacent said primer; a shot cup positioned in said interior area of said bullet case, said shot cup defining an interior space; a projectile load positioned in said interior space of said shot cup, said shot cup having an upper end that is sealed by a gas check member situated over said projectile load; a cap member positioned atop said mouth of said bullet case that is constructed of epoxy material and has one of a first indicia indicative that said projectile material is bird shot or a second indicia indicative that said projectile material is buckshot.
 12. The handgun shot shell as in claim 11, wherein said bullet case is a .45 magnum case that is necked so as to be chambered in the .45 ACP.
 13. The handgun shot shell as in claim 11, wherein said shot cup is a .410 wad.
 14. The handgun shot shell as in claim 13, wherein: said shot cup has a height of about 1 inch; said bullet case has a height that is between 1.190 inches and 2.000 inches; said mouth of said bullet case is crimped to have a diameter about 0.0308 inches.
 15. The handgun shot shell as in claim 11, wherein said projectile load is bird shot.
 16. The handgun shot shell as in claim 11, wherein said projectile is buckshot.
 17. The handgun shot shell as in claim 11, wherein said gas check member has a diameter of about 0.355 inches.
 18. The handgun shot shell as in claim 11, wherein said first indicia is a color and said second indicia is a color different than the color of said first indicia.
 19. The handgun shot shell as in claim 11, wherein said mouth is crimped so as to form a crimped end, wherein said cap seal and said crimped end generate a back pressure that causes said propellant to combust fully.
 20. A method of manufacturing a handgun shot shell, comprising: transforming a bullet case to include a body portion and a neck portion extending upwardly from said body portion, said bullet case including a bottom end that is closed and a mouth opposite said bottom end and that is open, said wherein said bullet case defines an interior area; wherein said neck portion includes a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of said body portion; mounting a primer in said bottom end of said bullet case; positioning a propellant in said interior area of said bullet case adjacent said primer; positioning a shot cup in said interior area of said bullet case, said shot cup being operably adjacent the propellant and defining an interior space; inserting a projectile load into said interior space of said shot cup, said shot cup having an upper end that is sealed by a gas check member situated over said projectile load; mounting a cap member atop said mouth of said bullet case that prevents moisture from entering into said interior area of said bullet case, wherein said cap member includes one of a first indicia indicative that said projectile material is bird shot or a second indicia indicative that said projectile material is buckshot. 